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To: PigRigger
I'd rather get your impressions on the behavior of his followers after the crucifixion of Christ.

Do you really want my impressions?

It appears to me, from reading the Book of Acts, that they were a cult, very much like some of the cults that exist today. They lived in a commune. They ran scams, telling people that the end of days was coming soon and that they should sell all their possessions and turn over all the money to the cult because, when the messiah came back, anyone with money would not get into paradise.

Apparently, a couple named Ananais and Sapphira held back some of their money and the Nazarenes found out about it and the two them wound up dead. (The Nazarenes claimed Christ killed them). The Nazarenes are then hauled into court but the liberal Rabbi Gamaliel shows them leniency and they get off with only a flogging.

243 posted on 04/12/2005 4:46:06 PM PDT by Inyokern
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To: Inyokern
"It appears to me, from reading the Book of Acts, that they were a cult, very much like some of the cults that exist today. They lived in a commune. They ran scams, telling people that the end of days was coming soon and that they should sell all their possessions and turn over all the money to the cult because, when the messiah came back, anyone with money would not get into paradise."

Wow, what a breath taking diatribe. I suggest you actually read the New Testament before making such statements. Clearly you have never read it; it might serve you in some manner, the very least being the factuality of your argument.

However it is rather interesting. You suppose that simple fishermen conspired to become con artists; who made up a stories about a non-existent Messiah; so they could somehow get rich.

Only problem with your theory is that the Apostles lived in poverty, giving most of their possessions to the poor and needy. They spent a good time in jail, or on the run, or being persecuted for their beliefs. In addition, faced with the ability to save their necks, they chose not to deny but rather face horrendous deaths instead. Far from con artists, they admitted their sinful nature and their need for redemption.

Even with all that being said, you fail to address the original question regarding the surviving Apostles. Rather, you describe an outlandish resolution, suggesting law abiding Jews conspired to create a cult so they could somehow steal money from the poor, naive, and ignorant.

Unfortunately, I should have known better than engage you seriously.

Shalom...
247 posted on 04/12/2005 5:26:26 PM PDT by PigRigger (Send donations to http://www.AdoptAPlatoon.org)
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